I nearly always backpack solo. The adventure and admiration of nature largely replaces any need for social interaction. But I often find myself wishing for someone to banter with after setting up camp in the evening. Pegging a reason for this is difficult. But usually by the time darkness falls and I crawl into my […]
Backpacking Alone: The Highs and Lows Hiking 5 Days Solo in the Cascade Wilds Read More »
If you’re physically fit, you can hike the three highest mountains of Eastern Washington. I’ve hiked them multiple times and have also done the 50 highest in order to complete the guide book “Hiking the 50 Highest Mountains of Eastern Washington”, which came out in 2003. It has since gone out of print, but you
Hike the Three Highest Peaks in Eastern Washington Read More »
By James P. Johnson I recently read that walking with a purpose has health benefits that exceed just going for a walk. Wondering how this could be, I found out when you walk purposefully—that is, you have a reason to reach a destination—you’re more likely to walk at a faster pace and for a longer
Walking with a Purpose Read More »
When a rare sunny day arrives in early spring, many a hiker pines to be outdoors; however, trails can still be snow-covered or muddy. If the mountains are your sacred spot, you’re still many weeks away from snow-free hiking. The solution? Do an outing to the Columbia Basin in Central Washington. Snow is gone
Hiking the Columbia Basin Read More »
From waterskiing without a spotter to jumping from a boat going full throttle, Jim Johnson explains 5 things he learned not to do at the lake.
5 Things To Never Do at the Lake Read More »
Learn about author James Johnson and his guidebook, “50 Hikes: Eastern Washington’s Highest Mountains,” published in 2003.
Hiking the Highest Peaks in Eastern WA Read More »
Guide for exploring the Kettle River Range: day and backpack hike destinations, trails for mountain biking and running, and trip planning.
Explore The Kettle River Range of NE Washington Read More »
The following letter to the editor was submitted in response to “Blowing off Hiking Ethics and Safety: How To and Not To” by James P. Johnson in OTM’s July issue. I enjoy reading articles in your magazine, and in “Last Page” of the July issue was an article by James P. Johnson, entitled Blowing off
Letter to the Editor: No Trespassing. Really. Read More »
I’ve done many road trips to British Columbia, because there’s a ton of beauty there, so it’s natural I’m super excited whenever I go. Maybe you noticed I borrowed the words from the well-known phrase, Super, natural British Columbia. Luckily, not much travel time is necessary to experience BC’s super naturalness. The following hikes with
Close-to-the-Border BC Trails with Views Read More »
So often in my neighborhood or a trail close to town, I stop to look a majestic, thick-trunked ponderosa up and down. Sometimes it’s one tree or a group I’ve admired many times before. I have an enduring affinity for the most common tree in the Inland Northwest. This attraction once led to a clandestine
The Princely Ponderosa Read More »
